The Northeastern State RiverHawks football program represents Northeastern State University in college football and competes in the NCAA Division II. In 2012, Northeastern State became member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA), and has remained in the league.[2] NSU's football program will become an independent program, beginning in August 2024.[3] NSU's home games are played at Doc Wadley Stadium in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
| Northeastern State RiverHawks football | |
|---|---|
 | |
| First season | 1909 |
| Athletic director | Matt Cochran |
| Head coach | Darrin Chiaverini 1st season, 0–0 (–) |
| Stadium | Doc Wadley Stadium (capacity: 8,300) |
| Field | Gable Field |
| Year built | 1915 |
| Field surface | FieldTurf |
| Location | Tahlequah, Oklahoma |
| NCAA division | Division II |
| Conference | MIAA Independent (beginning in 2024) |
| Past conferences | OIC (I) OCC OIC (II) Lone Star Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association |
| All-time record | 477–455–32 (.511) |
| Claimed national titles | 2 NAIA: (1958, 1994) |
| Conference titles | 21 |
| Rivalries | Central Oklahoma |
| Colors | Green and white[1] |
| Fight song | "Northeastern, Northeastern" |
| Mascot | Rowdy the RiverHawk |
| Marching band | RiverHawk Marching Band |
| Outfitter | Nike |
| Website | www.goriverhawksgo.com |
Northeastern's football program dates back to 1909.[4] The RiverHawks claim twenty-one conference championships, and appeared in four NAIA football championships in 1958, 1980, 1994, and 1995.[5]
The team is currently coached by J. J. Eckert, who began his tenure in 2019.[6]
Conference affiliations
- 1914–1928: Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference I
- 1929–1973: Oklahoma Collegiate Conference
- 1974–1996: Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference II
- 1997–2010: Lone Star Conference
- 2011: NCAA Division II independent
- 2012–2023: Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
- 2024–present: NCAA Division II independent
Championships
National championship seasons
| Season | Coach | Selectors | Record | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Harold Stratton | NAIA Playoffs | 11–0 | Won NAIA Championship |
| 1994 | Tom Eckert | 11–2 | Won NAIA Championship | |
| National Championships | 2 | |||
- Conference championships (21)
Stadium
The Riverhawks have played their home games at Doc Wadley Stadium since 1964. The current capacity of the stadium is at 8,300.[7]
